Biography of John Root

A venerable citizen of Wallowa County is named at the head of this article, and we are pleased to grant to him a representation in the annals of his county: since here he has manifested commendable real and ability in forwarding its interests and in assisting to build it up in all lines, while also in other places he has displayed equally excellent activities; and also because when the time of trouble was upon the nation, he immediately responded to the call of patriotism to handle the musket in defense of the flag that had been insulted and was in danger of being hauled down from the standard of freedom, and right nobly did he do military service, displaying a bravery and courage and faithfulness that mark him as the good soldier and noble patriot.

Mr. Root was born in Hocking County, Ohio, near Logan, on March 15, 1837, being the son of John and Catherine (Steele) Root. His early life was spent on the farm with his parents, and in acquiring a good education from the common schools of his vicinity. On October 15, 1861, when the conflict was demonstrated to be real, he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-eight Ohio Infantry, where he was soon promoted to fourth corporal. In this capacity he participated in the battle of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Haines Landing, besides numerous skirmishes. After one year in this relation he was transferred, on account of poor health, into the Fifth Veteran Reserve Corps, and three years were spent in this service and then he was honorably discharged, leaving a record both bright and faithful. Mr. Root is now a member of the G.A.R., John Randall Post, of Enterprise. He also affiliates with the I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 153, in Enterprise.

Mr. Root married in Hocking County, Ohio, and five children were born to the union, only one of whom is now living, his name being Isaac. Mrs. Root was a devoted Christian and a faithful member of the Methodist church and was called to the reward awaiting her in another world. From Ohio, our subject removed to Shelby County, Illinois, and nine years later went thence to Harper County, Kansas, spending four years in that place. Then in 1883 he came overland with teams to Wallowa County, and engaged here in farming until 1900, then sold his farm property and removed to Enterprise, where he resides at the present time, having a comfortable home there.

A second time Mr. Root was married. Mrs. Fannie Hall of Pullman, Washington, becoming his wife at this time. Mr. Root has always taken an active part in the political affairs of the section where he has resided and displays commendable zeal in advancing the cause of education in Wallowa County, being an ardent and intelligent advocate of good schools and thorough training. He is always alert in the interests of the county and has done much in counsel and support of good measures. Mr. And Mrs. Root are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are active workers in this relation, displaying also lives of faithfulness and untarnished reputation quite commensurate with their faith.